Auto transmission and exhaust brake

[clawson]

I just bought a 99 2500(cummins of course). It has a auto transmission torque conv. and valve body from gorend, and a pac-brake. This guy i bought it from said he never used the brake only for warm ups. What is the best way to go about setting up the transmission for using the brake when towing. I was thinking about getting an ATS controller or a BD power one. I plan on adding a edge drag and a small set 80 or 100 horse injectors. I also am putting on a 35-40 hybrid. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am not new to diesels just auto's.



Thanks,

Chris

 

[Midnite]

The best thing you can do is to call either ATS, BD, Goerend or DTT, and they can set you up.



Basically though, you just need a mechanism to lock up the torque converter when you activate the brake.



Mike

 

[Loren]

Chris,



DO NOT use that exhaust brake for any long downhills (when you need it the most) until your torque converter is modified to stay locked with the throttle at idle. Trust me; I speak from experience.



If the converter is not locked up, there is still a big differential RPM between the engine half and the transmission half. This heats the fluid up. On my 1995 truck, I lost all the fluid twice on the same trip when the transmission cooler line fitting let go. I was stranded with a big fifth-wheel trailer.



About a year later, that truck needed a transmission overhaul. It was an expensive lession.



Loren